Modeling Comp Cards

This rate sheet will give you an idea of the print work available to men and women with modeling comp cards. This information is provided by www.IndependentModeling.com.

~ MODEL RATE SHEET ~

Definitions here cover model job types as defined by a primary market such as New York. These are suggested rates, and it is up to the company and the model to agree upon a rate for the job. Please use these rates as a guideline of the different scales of pay between types of modeling work. With the changes going on in the modeling industry, these definitions and rates are by no means set in stone. Use our interpretation as a guideline only, as the model job type definitions and rates may be different from market to market. These definitions and rates are common knowledge in large markets such as New York City and secondary markets such as Miami.

Editorial Print

Editorial print work is a more subdued style of work, and it normally tells a story in images to market a product or service by showing the model acting out a role in the setting. Editorial work is loosely defined, highly creative with great art direction, and the layout is less noticeable. In magazine editorial print, the exposure of the model is high, and the trade off for this high profile is the low payout. Most models like editorial work because it is highly creative and the pictures and tear sheets really enhance their portfolios. To some, it is worth the low pay just for the potential exposure.

$200.00 day rate.

Catalog

Catalog print work is stiff and controlled, often with the model posing with clothing on or products and facing the camera. If you have ever seen a large department store catalog, then you know what this is. Catalog work pays well even in secondary and local markets, and many models make good livings doing this.

$150.00 to $300.00 per hour. Day rate $1,200.00 to $3,500.00 and up.

Fashion Print

This is print work for clothing companies where the product is the clothing. The copy, or words, used in such ads are brief. If you've seen a full-page ad in a magazine for a clothing brand, then you've seen this.

$150.00 to $250.00 an hour. Day rate $1,200.00 to $2,400.00 and up.

Swimwear/ Bikini Modeling Print

Models who model swimwear must be in great shape. Because this is specialized it commands higher rates. Think twice about doing this for free, as the potential to exploit you is there and you are worth more than nothing.

$500.00 to $2,500 day rate or the rates for lingerie/ underwear.

Lingerie/ Underwear Print

Most swimwear models can model lingerie and underwear, but it is a risky market that must be worked in good taste. Rates are higher for this kind of modeling.

Double standard rates ($400.00 day rate editorial. $2,400.00 to $7,000.00 day rate and up catalog)

Full Figure/ Plus Size Print

This is a rapidly growing area of modeling, as advertisers have realized that there is a big demand for models that the average consumer size 10 and over can relate to. If you are a plus size model, look into this. Plus size print modeling is normally catalog and commercial print, but can apply to editorial and other kinds of print, too.

$100.00 to $200.00 an hour. Day rate $500.00 to $1,000.00

Nude or Sheer Modeling

A limited market, and a specialty. Nude work requires refined professionalism and very good compensation rates. Do not do this for TFP or for low rates, as this can hurt your career if it is not done with respect and good taste. Photographers who do this should be able to pay you for it, and their portfolio should show great work in other kind of model photography. This is not for beginning models or photographers, and should be commissioned work for a specific project. DO NOT do this for free, for photographers whose references you cannot verify, or for a standard "modeling" portfolio, as nude pictures will hurt your chances of booking most modeling jobs.

Runway Modeling

The requirements for runway modeling are strict, with minimum height of 5'7'' for fashion runway, and in Miami we hear it's at least 5'8''. When most people think about modeling, they think print work or big runway shows, which makes this prime bait for certain model job scams. You do not need to go to a model school to learn this, as it can be learned on the job that is booked, and we don't know of any legitimate "runway modeling" schools. You don't need a school to learn how to walk, and most models who fit the physical requirements can pull it off well with normal direction and some practice. If you are a model with minor acting experience or consumer level dance training, this will not be difficult. If you still feel that you need runway training, go to New York and ask for Tyra.

$250.00 per hour and up.

Fit Modeling

Fit models work with designers and model their clothes for them. This kind of work is common in large markets and fashion capitals. This kind of modeling requires patience and endurance, as there are long periods of standing as garments are adjusted on the model. Fit modeling is a great way to get your foot in the door for other types of modeling, however, as you will get a chance to get to know the designer.

$150.00 per hour and up.

Showroom Modeling

This kind of job is more common in larger markets where there are fashion retail showrooms. The models wear the fashion designers clothes for clients and walk in customers, and greet people when they enter.

Day rate $1,000.00 and up.

Promotional Modeling

Promotional modeling is the lowest paying modeling job, with rates below that of even editorial print. Models are hired by night clubs and companies like alcoholic beverage brewers to work events. Many models make a living doing this, as a day rate over $100.00 is common. Promotional models usually do not need the skills and qualifications that trade show and convention model do.

$12.00 to $30.00 per hour, for at least four hours. Day rate $100.00 to $200.00

Trade Show Modeling

A lot like promotional modeling, but usually manning a booth at a trade show and requiring models with good people skills. For promotional models, the "next level". There are a lot of these jobs in Florida, and especially in Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Miami.

Day rate $200.00 to $500.00

Convention Modeling

These are "trade shows" that require refined, trained models to do presentations and promote the company, usually from a large booth or exhibit area that the company has set up. Models with acting experience, a mastery of more than one language, and the ability to use presentation aids such as ear pieces, radio transceivers, Teleprompters, video projectors, computers, and laser pointers are cut out for this work. The pay is great, but so is the responsibility. As you can see, the education requirements and the skills needed are way above that of a promotion model or a trade show model, and these models often have years of specialized training, trade show experience, and college degrees. These models have to be approachable, smart, and witty, as well as have a professional business look. The top level of event modeling. These jobs are often offered in large markets.

Day rate $1,000.00 to $4,000.00

Glamour/ Boudoir/ Nude Modeling

If it's not print work or for an art class, we cannot recommend it. If it's live, they may call it "modeling", but it probably is not and may have the potential to destroy your modeling career. If you must book this kind of work, only do it with photographers that you know and trust. The potential to exploit the model is high, and some so-called photographers use this as a way of creating soft porn. Be careful, as this kind of work may limit your marketability in commercial modeling or with sensitive clients. This kind of work also has no business being in a normal modeling portfolio, and especially not on composite cards used to obtain commercial or fashion work!